Jazzwatch Podcast And Blog

Ron Carter is a national treasure. His musical excellence has been a source of inspiration for many musicians and listeners throughout his 50 plus year career. As the most recorded bassist in jazz history, he has been featured alongside such masters as Miles Davis, Cannonball Adderley, Bobby Timmons, Aretha Franklin, Carmen McRae, B.B. King, A […]

For well over 50 years, Bob Cranshaw’s blend of groove and swing have been part of the public consciousness. He’s recorded alongside such master musicians such as Sonny Rollins, Lee Morgan, Wes Montgomery, Stanley Turrentine, Bobby Hutcherson and Grant Green, and he’s been the house bassist for Sesame Street for over 40 years. In this […]

Pianist Harold Mabern is one of the true treasures of improvisational music. Born in Memphis, Tennessee and self taught as a pianist, he and his peers (George Coleman, Frank Strozier, Booker Little) developed rapidly. As he discusses in our chat, Mr. Mabern’s move to the city of Chicago after high school graduation further enhanced his […]

Since his initial rise to prominence on the national music scene, Les McCann has been a vessel overflowing with creative expression. First recognized for his soulful and dynamic piano playing in the early 60s, Les grew his audience with two hit tunes (“With These Hands”, “Compared to What”) in the latter part of the decade […]

Gerald Clayton has earned a unique place among the current generation of pianists and composers. He’s equally versed in the rich tradition of jazz as well as its modern sounds and explorations. Not only has Clayton been called upon to perform with father John and uncle Jeff Clayton in their award-winning ensembles, he’s also been featured […]

Pianist and composer Matthew Shipp is an original voice on the modern improvisational music scene. Having been in the ensembles of noted improvisers such as Roscoe Mitchell, William Parker and David S. Ware, Shipp has enhanced his musical legacy primarily through assembling a string of his own intense and diverse musical ensembles. Recent recordings, “One”, […]

Alto saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa’s recording “Bird Calls” isn’t a tribute, but rather a “devotion” to the energy and spirit of Charlie Parker. His incredibly energetic quintet featuring pianist Matt Mitchell, bassist François Moutin, drummer Rudy Royston, and 20-year old trumpet prodigy Adam O’Farrill executes the project’s vision expertly— to play distinct, original compositions directly based on a Parker […]

Acclaimed drummer and composer Jack DeJohnette is a true master of rhythm. As one of the last distinct voices to emerge from the golden era of improvisational music, DeJohnette is perhaps at the peak of his powers in 2015. His career has spanned through the ensembles of Miles Davis, Charles Lloyd, Bill Evans, Jackie McLean, […]

Jazzwatch is happy to present our extended conversation with drummer Damion Reid.  His unique blend of traditional and contemporary elements of rhythm has been well-represented on recordings and in live performances around the world with an amazing cast of artists such as Robert Hurst, Steve Coleman, Rudresh Mahanthapa, Greg Osby and Robert Glasper. In this […]

Most noted for his work with the groups Lettuce and Soulive, guitarist Eric Krasno has been touring the world since 1999 with his grooving blend of agility, grit and spirit. With Soulive, Krasno has released over fifteen CDs and collaborated with an extensive variety of artists including Dave Matthews, Chaka Khan, George Porter, John Scofield, […]

Guitarist Matthew Stevens is one of the most impressive voices on guitar to emerge on the international music scene in the last decade. As a player and composer , Stevens blends the visceral and cerebral elements of modern music in a distinctive blend that has been sought by such players as drummer Terri Lyne Carrington, […]

Alto and soprano saxophonist Jaleel Shaw is a gifted band leader, educator and all-star sideman. Hearing Jaleel with the legendary Roy Haynes, the Mingus Big Band or as the front man in his critically acclaimed groups will reveal a player well-versed in tradition with a commitment and dedication to the present. In our conversation, Shaw shares with us his musical roots in […]

Guitarist Russell Malone’s commitment to melody, rhythm and harmony have earned him a unique place in improvisational music. Not only has he assisted fellow musicians such as Sonny Rollins, Jimmy Smith and Dianne Reeves in their groups, but Malone has won several fans of the music through his highly acclaimed solo albums and gigs as […]

NEA Jazz Master Lou Donaldson remains one of the foremost practitioners of swinging, feel-good groove music. He cut his teeth playing for original bebop jazz audiences as a sideman and bandleader appearing on the now classic, “A Night At Birdland” recording from 1954. For the next 20 plus years, Poppa Lou set out on his […]

As the newest protégé of acclaimed producer and composer Quincy Jones, pianist Justin Kauflin has traveled the world wowing audiences over the last two years. Justin’s new recording “Dedication” honors many of the influential and essential persons in his life including musical mentor and trumpet icon Clark Terry. Kauflin and Terry’s friendship is also the […]

Drummer, producer and educator Terri Lyne Carrington stays on the go. She tours the world with both her,  “Mosaic Project” and “Money Jungle” projects, with the former project as the recipient of the 2011 Grammy for Best Vocal Jazz Album. As she’s collaborated with fellow giants as Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Nancy Wilson, Liz Wright, […]

Dara Tucker has a voice that is equally memorable and refreshing. As she draws from gospel, singer-songwriter, soul and jazz artists both past and present, she’s been able to catch the ear and attention of noted artists such as Cassandra Wilson, Dr. Lonnie Smith and Charlie Hunter. Her original compositions found on “The Sun Season” uplift and […]

It was a treat to catch the amazing and ever-evolving bassist and bandleader Christian McBride. As he continues to win listeners with his infectious sense of groove and swing, Christian has become one of the more frequent ambassadors and representatives for our music. In this conversation, Christian gives us a window into new recording projects being prepared for […]

Sullivan Joseph Fortner Jr. is a native New Orleanian who has already made a significant foray into the jazz world that belies his young age. While touring with Stefon Harris & Blackout, Christian Scott Quintet, and the Roy Hargrove Quintet, Sullivan completed his Master’s degree in Jazz Performance at Manhattan School of Music under the tutelage of […]

In perhaps his most prolific period, John Coltrane was documented several times at his probing best in 1965. The master saxophonist recorded no less than ten albums’ worth of material in that year alone. In this special edition of JazzWatch, Greg spotlights rare Coltrane Quartet performances from The Half Note in NYC (March 19, 1965) and at Seattle, Washington’s Penthouse […]